For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: DA says the Electoral Matters Bill is a ‘crude’ attempt to direct more funds to ANC coffers; US Treasury's No 2 urges South Africa to boost fight against corruption; And, Multi-Party Charter promises it will be tough on crime

DA says the Electoral Matters Bill is a ‘crude’ attempt to direct more funds to ANC coffers

The Democratic Alliance has rejected what it said was an “attempted money grab” by the African National Congress, as the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill was passed in the National Assembly with 240 votes to 90.

The Bill will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

DA Shadow Home Affairs Deputy Minister Adrian Roos said the Bill passed is a “crude” attempt at directing more public and donor funds to the coffers of the ANC to help them try and cling on to power.

Roos added that this is being done by changing how party funding is allocated to suit themselves and by possibly removing limits for maximum donations and reporting thresholds for a while to create an opportunity to stuff their couches.

He said that these amendments have nothing to do with the inclusion of independent candidates.

US Treasury's No 2 urges South Africa to boost fight against corruption

US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo today urged South Africa to step up its battle against corruption, saying that work could help boost job creation in a country facing an unemployment rate of 43% among those under 35.

Adeyemo highlighted the need for increased anti-corruption efforts, continued work to accelerate South Africa's just transition to renewable energy, and steps to foster growth in its diverse service sector in a speech prepared for the American Chamber of Commerce in Johannesburg.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hammered home similar messages during her visit to South Africa just over a year ago.

Adeyemo, whose visit includes stops in Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg, said Washington stood ready to build upon a joint effort to combat illicit wildlife trafficking - a trade fueled by corruption and organised crime - that both countries launched during Yellen's visit last year.

And, Multi-Party Charter promises it will be tough on crime

The Multi-Party Charter promised that if it comes into government it will prioritise preventing crime by addressing its root causes.

The 11 parties in the Multi-Party Charter unveiled their plan to address one of South Africa's most devastating crises by focusing on four priorities: professionalising the police service, improving the criminal justice system, addressing the nation’s drug problem, and tackling corruption and State capture.

The parties touted a focused, evidence-based strategy for a safer South Africa.

They said they will be tough on crime and even tougher on the causes of crime, to protect people, property and infrastructure, while deterring anti-social behaviour and the abuse of power.

The Charter explained that the primary duty of the State was to ensure a safe and secure environment for all citizens, pointing out that South Africa was one of the most dangerous places for women and children.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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